Type writing machine



(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 1.

E. A. FORD. TYPE WRITING MACHINE. No. 546,138. 5 Patented Sept. 10,1895.

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(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 2.

E; A. FORD. TYPE WRITING MACHINE.

No. 546,138. liatented Sept. 10, 1895.

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{No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet; 3.

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TYPE WRITING MACHINE.

No. 546,138. Patented Sept, 10, 1895.

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E. A. FORD. TYPE WRITING MACHINE.

No. 546,138. Patented Sept. 10,1895.

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(No Model.) 5 Sh eets--Sheet 5.

E. A. FORD. TYPE WRITING MAGHINE.

No. 546,138. Patented Sept, 10, 1895.

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UNITED STATES PATENT @rricn.

EUGENE A. FORD, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

TYPE-WRlTlNG MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 546,138, datedSeptember 10, 1895.

Application filed May 19, 1894. Serial No. 511,829. (No model.) Patentedin England April 12, 1892, No. 7,055.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, EUGENE A. FOR-D, of New York city, New York, haveinvented a new and useful Improvement in Type-Writing Machines, whichimprovement is fully set forth in the following specification and partlydescribed in British Patent No."7,055, dated April 12, 1892.

This invention has reference to typewriting machines and embracescertain improvements, hereinafter set forth in detail, adapted moreparticularly (though not exclusively) to machines of the typeillustrated in Reissued Letters Patent No. 11,339, granted to me May 16,1893. Machines of this type are characterized by type-bars which make aplunging stroke in printing and are pivoted so as to move transverselyto the printing-stroke, the shift of type being effected by a swingingguide at the free ends of the type-bars.

The objects of the presentinvention are to improve the machine in pointsof speed of operation, lightness of stroke, and in other respects, aswill more fully appear hereinafter.

The escapement mechanism of this invention is adapted to give a quickmovement to the carriage, advancing it the space of a letter before thelast type has moved a quarter of an inch from the platen, so that nomatter how rapidly the type follow each other the feed will take placebetween the successive strokes. This mechanism includes a dog, whichnormally holds the carriage by engagement with one of the spaces of aslotted bar or rack, and another dog which displaces the first when atype-bar advances, (and itself displaces the first when a type-baradvances,)'

and itself holds the carriage until the typebar begins to movebackward,whereupon the carriage is free and immediately moves forwarduntil checked by the first dog entering the next slot or notch.

The line-spacing mechanism is constructed to admit of the carriage beingturned the space of one or more lines, as desired, and dispenses withthe detaining or check-spring heretofore employed to prevent the platenfrom turning accidentally. The pawl for turning the platen is soconstructed that it is normally disengaged from the ratchet-wheel, sothat the platen is free to be turned in either In connection with theplaten I direction.

having this defect it is not practical to use a very sharp letter.invention I make it impossible, by reason of the shape given to thetype-heads and the manner of connecting them with the typebars, for onetype-head to engage, catch, or

interfere with the others, so that the machine can be worked at maximumspeed. This construction of the type-heads and.the quickactingescapement, with other elements that in a measure contribute to thesameresnlt, make a very high-speed machine.

The invention includes improvements in other parts of the machine, allof which will be fully explained in the following detailed description,in which reference is made to the drawings accompanying and forming partof this specification.

Figure l is a longitudinal section through the middle of the machine.Fig. 2 is a plan view, part of the platen being broken away. Fig. 3 is asectional elevation, the section being taken on line 0a at, Fig. 2. Fig.4 is a rear elevation. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the partsconstituting the line-spacing mechan ism, the frame and other adjacentparts being indicated in dotted lines. Fig. 6 is an end View of thecarriage. Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the carriage, partly in section,and showing the ball-bearing mechanism. Fig. 8 is a detail of one of thetype-heads.

The type-bars B are arranged to strike a horizontal plunging blow at acommon printing-point. The free ends of these bars enter the hollowguide and shifter C, which is triangular in shape and has at its apex c,adjacent to the platen D, aslot or opening of just sufficient size topermit the passage of a typehead I) and guide it properly to theprintingpoint. As the same guide acts for all the type, correctalignment is secured and maintained.

The upper part of guide 0 at its apex c is According to the present.

beveled or curved downward toward the platen, thereby enabling theoperator to View the characters as they are printed, and in the centralpart of this curved surface is a rib or pointer C, which serves as aletter-gage.

The guide and shifterC is pivoted at C and is provided with the usualmeans (which need not be described) for raising it to two new positions,the type-heads I) being provided each with three characters.

It is of the utmost importance for rapid work that the t ype-bars andtype-heads should be able to pass each other freely under all conditionswithoutinterference. To this end the type-heads b are formed, as shownin Figs. 2 and S, of approximately triangular shape looking fromthe-top, tapering gradually rearwardly to the dimension of the type-bar,to which they are attached by cutting a groo've in the side of thetype-heads for the type near the sides of the machine, as shown in Fig.2, or in the end of the type-heads for type near the middle of themachine, as shown in Fig.

8. The shape is such that the type-heads pass each other with perfectsmoothness, no matter how rapidly the keys are struck, and it isimpossible for the face of one type to strike against or catch any partof another type-head. V

The carriage is moved by a motor-spring F, inclosed in barrel F, througha cord e, and is normally held against the tension of the spring by apivoted dog G, whose tooth strikes into one of the slots of a rack E oncarriage E. On the other side of therack from holding-dog G is therelease-dog G, whose tooth is normally clear of the rack, but justopposite the tooth of dog G dog G is connected with the bail-head Gwhich in turn is connected by means of three rods 9 with theescapement-bail G which is a metal strip curved into a circular arc anddisposed in such position as to be struck and moved.

pivot-hole g of dog G is slightly larger than its pin, (see Fig. 2,) andconsequently, when pushed out of a notch, spring g draws the dogforward, so that its tooth engages against the solid strip or rack EbetweenftheQslot just vacated and the one next to it, so that it isready to enterthe latter as soon as the carriage moves. The carriage inthe meantime is held by dog G, but as soon as the type-bar begins toreturn'bail G is released and the bail-head G and dog G are retracted byspring 9. The carriage is then for an instant free to move untilarrested by dog G. The tension of the carriage-spring F normally holdsthe dog G in the position shown in Fig. 2. By means of the qnick-actingescapement the feed of the carriage maybe made to take place before thetype-head has moved back a quarter of an inch from the platen, making itimpossible for a second type to strike the paper before the feed takesplace.

It will be observed that the holding-dog G extends from its pivotbackward in the direction opposite to the movement of the carriage, sothat the pressure of the rack 011 its tooth tends to turn the dog so asto force and lock the tooth firmly in the rack. On the other hand, therelease-dog G extends forward from its pivot, so that When engaged inthe rack the pressure of the latter tends to throw it out of engagementas soon as the operators finger releases the key. This enables me to geta prompt action by employing a very weak retracting-spring g", and in IThe release-bail G is a rod loosely pivoted to the carriage E andhanging just behind the rear extension of holding-dog G. Its end g formsa convenienthandle by which the operator can swing the bail forward,withdrawing dog G and leaving the carriage free to be run in eitherdirection, as desired.

Rods connecting bail G and bail-head G have right and left handedscrew-threads for purposes of adjustment of the position of bail. G Thelatter is so adjusted that dog G re leases the rackE simultaneously, ornearly so, with the impact of the type against the paper. One end of themotor-spring F, Fig. 4, is attached to the barrel F, as usual, and theother end to a disk F pivoted on the shaft of the spring, but normallyheld by detent-springf engaging with one of the notchesf in theperiphery of disk F Disk F can be turned, for the purpose of adjustingthe tension of the motor-spring, by applying sufficient force to turnthe disk against the holding force of springf.

The construction of the linespacing mechanism is best shown in Figs. 3,4:, 5, and (l. The spindle d of cylinder D is journaled in the sidepieces D of the carriage E and has at one end the pinion D. The pawl Dby which the cylinder or platen I) is turned, has a slot (Z throughwhich spindle d passes, the slot being of such size that the pawl canmove vertically far enough to disengage its tooth d from pinion D. Thisis the normal position of the parts, the pawl being held in thisposition by its connection with the operating-handle I, which isnormally pressed outward by a spiral spring 2'. The handle or lever Ihas an arm 1 to which is pivoted the lower end of a link i whose upperend is pivoted to pawl D Upon pressing lever I toward the carriage pawlD drops by gravity, bringing its tooth into one of the notches of pinionD, and as link I is pulled down by the further movement of handle I thepawl turns on spindle d as a fulcrum, carrying platen.D with it, untilits end 61 is arrested by stop-pin d, fixed to the side piece D. Thismechanism has several advantages. In the first place the pawl beingalways clear of the ICO pinion or ratchet-wheel the operator can at anytime with one hand turn the platen in either direction. Furthermore,when the position of the cylinder has been changed for any reason in thecourse of writing a page it is not necessary to adjust the cylinder byhand to make the lines of completed writing register with the line wherethe type strike, since this registration is automatically effected bythe pawl when it strikes against stop d".

The line-spacing mechanism may be constructed to turn the cylinder ateach operation the space of one or more lines, as desired. As shown inFig. 5, the mechanism is normally set for double-line spacing-that is tosay, when the handle I is actuated pawl D drops in the second notch infront of stop (1 For single-line spacing an adjusting-lever 7' is turnedto the position shown in Fig. 6, in which position its armj depressesthe tailof pawl D bringing its tooth in such position that it will, whenactuated, drop into the notch next to stop (1 and move the platen thespace of one notch.

Handle I is placed at the end of carriage E, in convenient position tobe used forpushing back the carriage to its starting-point by movementin the same direction as that which actuates the linespacing mechanism.

To facilitate adjustment of the paper on the platen in cases whereworkis replaced for correction, a line-indicator L is provided on thebase of the machine, Figs. 2 and 3, its top being exactly in linehorizontally with the line where the type strike. This indicator is inthe form of a spring, so that it can be pressed against the platen todetermine accurately the position of the line.

The platen D is held from turning too freely by the pressure offriction-roller K, extending along its entire length and pressed intocontact therewith by leaf-springs 7.3, Fig. 3, which press againstcollars on the spindle of roller K. The latter also assists in feedingthe paper, which passes between it and the platen. This roller takes theplace of the detaining-spring usually employed to exert pressure on theplaten and prevent its turning freely. The roller is journaled in aswinging frame K, pivoted at in the side pieces D of the carriage. Vvhen it is desired, for the easy introduction or removal of the work, toseparate the roller K and platen D, the frame carrying the former isdepressed by throwing forward the cam-lever 76 Fig. 3, which pressesagainst the end of the spindle of roller K.

The carriage F. in its movements slides upon the rail N,antifriction-balls n. being interposed to make an easy movement,suitable grooves being cut in the rail and carriage to contain theballs. (See Figs. 6 and 7.) The balls on one side of the rail N are heldin position by a trough-shaped plate at, which is pressed toward therail by means of springs n Plate at and spring n constitute adj ustingmeans for taking up the wear in both sets of balls, and also render iteasy to take the carriage off the rail when for any reason that isdesired.

In this machine it is desirable to have the platen set as close aspossible to the apex of guide 0. It follows that in manifoldiug thespace between these parts, which answers for ordinary work, would not besuficient. An adjustment is therefore necessary, and to that end thecarriage is supported so that it can be tilted slightly, and theball-bearing mechanism is so constructed as to admit of this movement.This adjustment is eifected by means of a plate P, Figs. 1 and 4,pivoted at P to a boss on the frame and provided with a cam-groove p. Inthis groove lies the head 19' of a screw, tapped -into a block Q, whosesupporting-pin g slides freely in a hole in boss P Block Q also carriesa hook g, which engages over a rod g on carriage E, and asupporting-roller g journaled therein and upon which said rod 95 rests.By moving cam-plate P to the right, Fig. 4, it will be seen that blockQ, will be forced downward through the action of the cam-groove p uponthe screw-head 19, tilting the carriage on the line of the front row ofballs 11. as an axis, enlarging the space between the cylinder or platenD and guide C.

It will also be observed that while the carriage E is supported on oneside by the antifriction-balls n it is also supported on its oppositeside by the roller q, upon which rod rests and slides. This roller is,as shown, carried by the vertically-adjustable block Q, alreadydescribed.

The paper-guide 'r at the left-hand end of the platen D, Figs. 2 and 3,is, as usual, made adjustable to accommodate different widths of paper.Accordingto the present invention, this paper-guide is combined with acarriagestop r, so that both may be adjusted simultaneously and thecarriage be automatically arrested on its return movement at the properpoint to begin the line for the size of paper in use at the time. Stop0", which carries guide 7, is adjustable along a rail R in front of thecarriage.- As shown in Fig. 2, this rail has a number of small verticalholes 3, into which a pin 2 can be fitted to hold the combined stop andpaper-guide in its adjusted position. The fixed stop T, against whichthe stop 1' engages to arrest the carriage, is shown in Fig. 3. Ofcourse any suitable or convenient clamping devices may be employed tohold the stop 'r in its adjusted position, and in general the details ofconstruction shown and set forth are susceptible of modification withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention.

'What I claim as new is- 1. The combination with the carriage and meansfor moving the same, of a perforated rack on the carriage, a springactuated holding dog pivoted on one side of the rack, a releasing dogpivoted on the other side of the rack and having its tooth opposite toand adapted to displace that of the holding dog,

an escapement bail in position to be struck by each type-lever just asthe latter reaches the end of its movement, and connections between theescapement bail and releasing dog, substantially as described.

2. The combination with the carriage and means for moving it, of a rackon the carriage, a spring-actuated holding dog and a pivoted releasingdog extendin g forward from its pivot in the direction of movement ofthe carriage, so that the pressure of the carriage tends to throw therelease-dog out of engagement with the rack, substantially as described.

3. The combination with the platen of a pinion thereon, a pawl having aslot through which its pivot pin passes, so that the pawl has freedom ofmotion into and out of engagement with said pinion, a spring normallyholding the pawl out of engagement with said pinion, an operating handleand connections for bringing said pawl into engagement with said pinionand turning it on its pivot, and a fixed stop for arresting the movementof the pawl always at the same spot, substantially as described.

4. The combination of the platen, the pinion thereon, the slotted pawlthrough which the arbor of the platen passes acting as a pivot for saidpawl which is normally held clear of said pinion, means for moving saidpawl into engagement with said pinion and turning the latter thereby, astop for arresting the pawl, and an adjusting lever for varying thepoint at which the pawl engages the pinion, sub

stantially as described.

5. The combination with the platen, of a pinion thereon, a pawl having aslot, through which its pivot pin passes, and an extension or tail, saidpawl being normally out of engagement with said pinion, means for movingsaid pawl into engagement with said pinion and turning the latterthereby, and an adjust ing lever acting on the extension or tail of saidpawl for varying the point at which it engages said pinion,substantially as described.

6. The combination of the platen, its sliding carriage, a pinion on theplaten, a slotted pawl on the arbor of the platen normally held out ofengagement with the pinion, and an operating handle connected with saidpawl and pivoted at the end of the carriage, so as to actuate said pawland to move the carriage in the direction of its starting point,substantially as described.

7. The combination with the sliding carriage of a motor-spring arotatable plate to which one end of said spring is attached for the punpose of adjusting its tension, and a detent spring engaging notches insaid plate for holding the same in its adjusted position, sub stantiallyas described.

8. The combination with the sliding carriage, of ball bearings for thesame at one side thereof, a supporting roller upon which the oppositeside of the carriage rests, and

means for adjusting said roller to tilt the carriage, substantially asdescribed.

9. The combination with the typebars, and the guide therefor, of theimpression cyclinder, its carriage, a rail upon which said carriageslides, ball-bearings for said carriage, and a yielding plate thereonconstituting one of the bearings surfaces, so that the carriage can betilted on its longitudinal axis to regulate the distance between thetype-guide and impression cylinder, substantially as described.

10. The combination with the platen and the horizontally movingtype-bars, of the hollow guide common to all the type-bars, said guidebeing beveled or curved downward at the end adjacent to the platen,substantially as described.

11. The combination with the platen and type-bars, of the hollow guidecommon to all the bars, said guide being of triangular shape, curveddownward at its forward end adjacent to the platen and provided with arib or pointer, substantially as described.

12. The combination with the guide and the longitudinally movingtype-bars of type-heads of approximately triangular outline, taperinggradually backward to the thickness of the typebars, substantially asdescribed.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence oftwo subscribing witnesses.

EUGENE A. FORD.

\Vitnesses:

PHILIP MAURO, Rnnvn Lewis.

